Job Description

Deputy Responsible Pharmacist [ PE] Supply Chain
Port Elizabeth - Eastern Cape - South Africa
Our client in the pharmaceutical distribution sector is looking for a dedicated and compliance-focused Deputy Responsible Pharmacist (DRP) to assist with wholesale and distribution operations. This position is responsible for ensuring complete compliance with pharmaceutical legislation, regulatory standards, and Good Distribution/Wholesaling Practices. The DRP will also maintain strong quality systems and provide operational oversight within a licensed distribution environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with the Medicines Act, Pharmacy Act, SAHPRA regulations, and current Good Distribution & Wholesaling Practices (cGDP/GWP).
• Support and deputise the Responsible Pharmacist, assuming full RP accountability when required.
• Oversee quality management systems, SOP implementation, audits, CAPA management, deviations, and non-conformances.
• Supervise product receipt, storage, quarantine, returns, reverse logistics, recalls, and final product release.
• Ensure appropriate handling and record-keeping of scheduled substances, Section 21 items, and controlled medicines.
• Lead risk assessments and quality review meetings, escalating non-compliance where necessary.
• Manage regulatory interactions with health authorities and ensure licensing and registration requirements remain current.
• Ensure proper warehouse controls, including temperature monitoring, pest control, quarantine management, and destruction of medicines.
• Maintain strong cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Regulatory, QA, and Commercial teams.
• Provide GDP/GWP training and ensure all employees adhere to established quality systems.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm).
• Registered and active member of the SAPC.
• Minimum 23 years experience as a Pharmacist or Deputy Responsible Pharmacist.
• Experience within a pharmaceutical distribution or wholesale environment.
• Exposure to Digital Quality Management Systems
• Experience using Oracle R12.

The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, compliance-focused, and operationally savvy, with strong leadership skills and the ability to manage quality systems in a regulated distribution environment. Excellent communication skills, risk awareness, and the ability to collaborate across different functions are essential for success in this role. If you are a registered pharmacist seeking to advance your career in a regulated distribution setting, please apply now using the link below.
Apply for this Job

Skills Required